Podcast Episode 124 – Renee Thomas
SUMMARY
“This Is Purdue,” the official podcast for Purdue University, highlights stories about Boilermakers from across all disciplines, who through research, innovation and determination, have persistently pursued their next giant leap.
Hosted by Purdue University alum, Brian Lamb School of Communication graduate, and Indiana native Kate Young, “This Is Purdue” aims to examine all of the incredible accomplishments of Boilermakers and their contributions to the world.
Below, you’ll find helpful information, stories, and social media content regarding this episode of “This Is Purdue.”
STRATEGY
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Renee Thomas, Purdue University’s associate vice provost for student access and community engagement.
For more than 35 years, Renee has increased educational opportunities for thousands of Boilermakers.
In this episode, you will:
- Learn how Renee has impacted students’ lives by helping them find their community at Purdue.
- Explore her profound impact on Purdue’s Black Cultural Center as the former director and learn more about the importance of all five university cultural centers.
- Get to know how her role as associate vice provost is expanding into Indianapolis and the three pillars her team uses to ensure students feel a sense of belonging at Purdue.
- Discover how she creates connections between students and alumni and the rich historical significance of the Black community in Indianapolis, including places like Indiana Avenue, the Madam Walker Legacy Center and more.
- Gain valuable advice and insights on how students can find community and belonging on campus.
- Find out what it meant to her to receive both the Special Boilermaker Award and the Indiana Civil Rights Commission’s Achievement in Education Award in 2024 for the recognition of her life-changing work.
You don’t want to miss this episode with a Boilermaker who has spent her career making sure Purdue feels like home to every one of its students.
RESOURCES INCLUDE:
· Links to the podcast
· Social graphics
· Suggested social post copy
LINKS and UTM PARAMETERS
When linking to Purdue websites from social platforms or emails, we recommend that you add UTM parameters to the URL in order to provide reporting on the activity. The Marketing and Communications campaign URL builder allows you to easily configure these links and even request shortened Purdue-branded links.
UTM campaign: this_is_purdue_renee_thomas
UTM medium: Social (or email)
UTM source: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram (or email newsletter name)
Link to the podcast: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/renee-thomas
General podcast page: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-purdue/id1496040232
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1npQBIaTzFnCvDlzeiNV7j?si=h0K1NkdwTMeu-MlzckGaHw
AVAILABLE ASSETS
The following assets are available for download and use. Social assets include files for Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Instagram Stories.
SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE POSTING TIPS
Digital engagement is a powerful platform to share Purdue stories and posts with past, present and future Boilermakers. Here are some tips to help your posts shine:
· Keep posts short and direct
· Link all posts back to our landing page
· Include photos, videos or GIFs
· Use short URLs
SUGGESTED SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
LinkedIn + Facebook
- How can college students find their community at #Purdue? In our first #ThisIsPurdue episode of 2025, Renee Thomas, associate vice provost for student access and community engagement, joins us to discuss the importance of belonging during students’ college experience. With 35 years of experience at Purdue, Renee shares her advice and insights about being involved and finding connection in the #Boilermaker community. 🎧 Listen today: <link>
- Belonging, transformation and possibilities. In our latest #ThisIsPurdue #podcast episode, we’re talking to Renee Thomas, associate vice provost for student access and community engagement, as she shares: 💛 Why belonging is crucial for student success. 📚 Her passion for creating opportunities in education. 🏛️ The power of community experiences at venues like the @WalkerTheatre and @eiteljorgmuseum for #Purdue students in Indianapolis. From recommending Purdue’s cultural centers to community engagement in Indianapolis, Renee’s advice has impacted thousands of #Boilermakers over the years. Find out how: <link>
- Creating spaces for belonging. Transforming lives through education. In our latest #ThisIsPurdue #podcast episode, Renee Thomas, associate vice provost for student access and community engagement, reflects on: ✅ Why belonging is crucial for student success. ✅ What it means to empower possibilities in education across Indiana. ✅ The three pillars of her role in supporting #Purdue students in Indianapolis, including community engagement, K-12 initiatives and the student experience. This incorporates embracing the robust historical significance of places in Indy like the @walkertheatre and @eiteljorgmuseum. Hear more about her inspiring journey, impactful work and vision for the future of the #Boilermaker community. 🎧: <link>
- “When students come to college, they tend to congregate with folks who look like them and think like them. I would encourage students to be a rubber band and stretch outside of their boundaries and take advantage of everything that the university has to offer.” In our latest #ThisIsPurdue episode, Renee Thomas inspires students to explore the full breadth of the #Purdue experience. From building new connections to embracing different opportunities, this is advice every #Boilermaker can benefit from. Do you have advice for current or future #Purdue students about finding community at their university? Let us know in the comments. <link>
- How can you find your community at #Purdue? Find out on our latest #ThisIsPurdue episode with Renee Thomas, Purdue’s associate vice provost for student access and community engagement. She has spent 35 years helping #Boilermakers thrive at Purdue and beyond. Listen wherever you get your #podcasts or at the 🔗 in bio. <link>
- The importance of making #Purdue feel like home. ✨ In our latest episode of #ThisIsPurdue, Renee Thomas, Purdue’s associate vice provost for student access and community engagement, shares: 💛 The power of cultural connections and finding belonging in college. 📚 Her approach to creating opportunities through education.️ The opportunities for community experiences at venues like the @walkertheatre and @eiteljorgmuseum for Purdue students in Indianapolis. 🎧 Check it out wherever you listen to #podcasts or at the 🔗 in bio. <link>
- 📣 Advice for all #Boilermakers: explore, connect and make the most of your college experience. Hear more insights and stories from Renee Thomas, associate vice provost for student access and community engagement, on #ThisIsPurdue — wherever you listen to #podcasts or at the 🔗 in bio. <link>
- In our first #ThisIsPurdue episode of 2025 that releases tomorrow, you can get to know Renee Thomas, #Purdue’s associate vice provost for student access and community engagement. She has spent 35 years helping #Boilermakers find belonging. Subscribe now: purdue.edu/podcast
- How can college students find their community? Find out on our latest #ThisIsPurdue episode with Renee Thomas, associate vice provost for student access and community engagement. She has spent 35 years helping #Boilermakers thrive at #Purdue and beyond. <link>
- “Education has the potential to transform people … to create opportunities that they may or may not have had otherwise.” In our latest #ThisIsPurdue episode, Renee Thomas shares how cultural connections and supportive programs empower students to thrive. <link>
- “I would encourage students to be a rubber band and stretch outside of their boundaries and take advantage of everything that the university has to offer.” Hear more advice and insights from Renee Thomas on our official university podcast. <link> #ThisIsPurdue
TAGGING RECOMMENDATIONS
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@walkertheatre
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#ThisIsPurdue
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